This 100% No-Kill Rescue All Began With a Dog Found in a Ditch

Countless no-kill animal shelters seek to save animals from the threat of euthanization and find loving forever homes for them. PAWS4you Rescue in Miami is one such shelter. The 100% no-kill rescue was born from a compassionate individual who felt appalled by the number of abandoned animals out there. 

Founded in 2007 as a foster-based rescue, PAWS4you is the brainchild of Carol Caridad. After adopting a sweet pup named Misha from her local shelter, she was dumbfounded by the nature of many animal shelters across the country. “What do you mean Misha was found in a ditch?” she asked during the adoption. Her new furry friend was healthy, loving, and enthusiastic. She couldn’t fathom that someone could abandon an animal in that way, or that they could potentially face death by euthanasia.

Rather than accepting this heartbreaking fate, Carol decided to do something about it. Thus, PAWS4you was born with a mission to offer a compassionate way to find homes for pets like Misha. The foster-based organization eventually expanded to accommodate even more pets in 2013. “In order to save even more lives, we realized that a dedicated retreat space was required,” says Joyce Roseman, Community Outreach Director at PAWS4you.

Ever since, the rescue has saved countless lives and found permanent homes for its animals. With the help of around 75 regular volunteers, the organization houses 100 dogs with a goal of accommodating even more animals. However, this will require a renovation of the building, originally constructed in the 1960s.

“We’ve already made progress by completing a full roof replacement, and we have architectural plans in hand to guide the rest of our capital improvement project,” Roseman shares. “Upcoming phases include replacing the outdated HVAC system to ensure proper ventilation and air filtration, fully renovating and expanding our kennel space, adding dedicated housing for cats, and creating a larger medical recovery area.”

What Is PAWS4you Rescue’s Mission?

PAWS4you Rescue’s mission is to save abandoned and neglected animals in their community and nurture them back to health. Rather than viewing euthanasia as an option, this 100% no-kill rescue organization helps foster animals through professional medical care, socialization, and vetting of potential adopters.

Many rescue animals require specialized treatments, rehabilitation, behavioral training, and even surgeries. Some are sick, injured, or homeless. Through PAWS4you, these animals have the chance to find a forever home. Before adoption, the rescue sterilizes, vaccinates, micro-chips, and vets the animals for pre-existing conditions. 

In addition to providing quality care and support, PAWS4you also offers education. In fact, they work closely with Scout troops, student groups, and community members to share the importance of animal well-being. “Without a doubt, my favorite part about the rescue is witnessing the incredible transformation of a once sad and abandoned pup into a cherished, confident member of a loving family,” says Roseman.

The rescue doesn’t just help its animals, but it helps its volunteers, too. The mutually beneficial relationship heals pets and humans alike. “As part of my job, I am also moved by watching our volunteers—often navigating difficult chapters in their own lives—find purpose, healing, and a sense of renewal through helping these animals,” Roseman adds.

How Can People Support PAWS4you Rescue?

In order to thrive, rescues like PAWS4you require help from their community members. “There are so many meaningful ways the community can support PAWS4you — through adoption, fostering, volunteering, and donating,” Roseman explains. “While our ultimate goal is for every dog to be adopted into a loving home, fostering plays a crucial role in making that possible. Whether a dog is overcoming past trauma, learning social skills, or simply getting the love and attention they deserve, foster homes are where their transformation begins.”

However, many individuals don’t have the resources to adopt or foster animals. Thankfully, there are other ways you can give back. “For those who can’t adopt or foster, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities — from helping at adoption events to assisting with daily care at our retreat,” Roseman says. “Every bit of support makes a difference.”

She adds that the rescue is endlessly grateful for its donations. “Whether it’s a corporate sponsorship or a personal contribution through our website, every dollar goes directly toward caring for our rescue dogs and helping them find their forever homes.”

One particular way you can help PAWS4you is by donating money to the building’s renovation. That way, they can accommodate and rescue even more animals. “All donations of any size are warmly welcomed and make a meaningful difference,” Roseman says.

To contribute or to learn more about PAWS4you, visit their website — paws4you.org.